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Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
This private tour is perfect for travelers eager to explore Japan’s past. Guided by a multilingual expert in the Imperial Palace and samurai culture, you’ll gain insights beyond Google or Wikipedia.
Through the guide’s explanations, reference materials, and the palace itself, the history of the Imperial Palace and samurai comes alive. As a private tour, the pace is yours—ask anything from simple curiosities to complex questions. Stroll through the East Gardens, once part of Edo Castle, the Tokugawa shogunate’s stronghold at the height of samurai power. Pass stone ruins, ancient gates, and the Tatsumi Yagura Watchtower, while uncovering stories of emperors, samurai, and the powers that shaped Japan.
Highlights
- Guided by a multilingual expert
- Exclusive insights into samurai culture and the Imperial Palace
- Personal, interactive atmosphere—ask any questions
- Explore Edo Castle remains, including the Tenshudai and Tatsumi Yagura
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Our guide is standing in front of Starbucks. They are holding a signboard for the inbound tour service, so please use it as a reference point to meet up. If you have trouble finding them, please contact us via WhatsApp or phone as notified at the time of booking.
Itinerary
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1
Tatsumi Yagura, also known as Sakurada Nijū Yagura, is a historic two-story watchtower located in the Imperial Palace grounds in Tokyo. Built during the Edo period, it is one of the few surviving structures of the original Edo Castle, reflecting Japan’s feudal past. Positioned at the southeast corner of the old inner moat, it once served both symbolic and defensive roles. Though the interior is closed to the public, the tower can be viewed from nearby paths in the Imperial Palace East Gardens—a favorite for photographers and history lovers exploring Tokyo sightseeing spots.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
One of the most iconic views of the Imperial Palace, the double-arched Nijūbashi Bridge gracefully spans the moat and serves as the main approach to the inner grounds. Beloved for its elegant stone structure and photogenic scenery, it is a must-see highlight for visitors exploring central Tokyo.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
The Imperial Palace East Gardens, open to the public, sit on the former grounds of Edo Castle in Tokyo. The area features stone walls, gates, seasonal flowers, and traditional Japanese landscaping. A key highlight is the Tenshudai (castle keep foundation), offering views of the gardens and a sense of the shogunate’s historic scale. Visitors can also see preserved sites like Otemon Gate and Hyakunin-bansho. Perfect for Tokyo sightseeing, the East Gardens provide a peaceful escape for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
The Imperial Palace is the residence of the Emperor of Japan and a major Tokyo landmark, located in Chiyoda Ward. Once the site of Edo Castle, it features moats, stone walls, and the beautiful Imperial Palace East Gardens. Visitors can admire highlights like the Nijubashi Bridge, Tatsumi Yagura, and Sakurada Gate. Despite being in the city center, the area offers a quiet escape and a chance to connect with Japanese history and tradition. A guided tour offers deeper insight into the palace's history, architecture, and cultural significance — perfect for a meaningful Tokyo sightseeing experience.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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